Summer officially begins this Sunday, ushering in a multitude of opportunities for outdoor fun. But along with the longer days and warmer temperatures comes the risk of numerous summer health hazards, ranging from sunburn to heatstroke, insect bites to rashes.

The most serious heat-related disorder is heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

• Limit sun exposure — Moffett said everyone should limit their time outdoors during the hottest days, particularly today and this weekend as temperature rise sharply for the first time this season. This safeguard is especially important for the elderly and those with certain medical conditions like diabetes. If possible, avoid being out in the sun during its peak hours between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must go outside for more than a few minutes, use sunscreen and lip balm of at least 30 SPF. Wear l…

On Sunday, June 7, 2009, Bishop Robert Louis Burns and Lady Joyce R. Burns will be celebrating 34 years of ministry. There will be a celebration program held at Rehoboth Word of Life Fellowship, 1000 West Main Avenue, Lumberton, MS at 3:00 p.m. The guest speaker for the occassion will be Rev. Dennis Holder, Pastor of Zion Hill Baptist Church. You are invited to attend this blessed occassion. For information about ordering books written by Dr. Robert Louis Burns, DVD's, copies of his minsitry lessons, or to schedule a speaking engagement, please call 601-796-2909.

“You may write me down in historyWith your bitter, twisted lies,You may trod me in the very dirtBut still, like dust, I'll rise.”—Maya Angelou

The official certification of the votes will not be conducted until 1:00 p.m. today, but I am trusting that Miriam Holder will be certified as the Mayor of Lumberton. Miriam has always risen, much to the dismay of her adversaries and the delight of her friends.

Miriam Holder will not give up on you and all she asks of you is that you do not give up on her.

There is a world of difference between being a woman and being an old female. If you're born a girl, grow up, and live long enough, you can become an old female. But, to become a woman is a serious matter. A woman takes responsibility for the time she takes up and the space she occupies.

Miriam Holder is a woman. She has been there and done that and has still risen. She is on this course for the long haul. She intends to make a difference in the City of Lumberton.

The meeting with Chief Adrian Fortenberry revealed a lot about what is going on in the community. As I was listening to the complaints, I couldn't believe that the encounters these people had with the police offiers were not documented. So many in our communities have adopted the No Snitching Rule as their mantra, and this is pure foolishness. We have adopted a culture that encourages black people not to "snitch" to the police when they see a crime. That's a dangerous, self-destructive philosophy for our community to adopt. If you see a crime being committed, you should report it. There is no dignity in allowing crime in your community.

We're sending a message to young people that glorifies and protects the criminal element in the community that is preying on our children and our neighborhoods. What kind of people are we that we would let crime take place and do nothing about it?

I appreciate Chief Fortenberry coming out to address the crowd, and I think he is act…

I attended the meeting last night for the residents of Ward 3, and I couldn't believe some of the informtion that was being revealed. I was also shocked that I was the only person that felt that the police was not partolling enough in Ward 3. I kept hearing about lack of respect, and that the police officers are not respectful towards our youth. As this was being stated, I began to have flashes of my encounters with the youth that are always hanging out on the corners of Myrick Avenue and North 10th Street. At no point have these individuals been respectful. Now, if they are not respectful towards the people that live in the area, I am certain they are not respectful when they are approaced by law enforcement.

There was also a series of quesitons about the amount of patrol on Myrick Avenue, and the lack of patrol when it comes to the crowds loitering around the Shell Station. Well, I am not concerned about the people hanging out at the Shell Station, I am concerned about the …

Quincy Rogers, Alderman of Ward 3, hosted a Ward meeting for the residents of Ward 3.Chief Adrian Fortenberry was on hand to address the concerns of the residents of Ward 3. Alderman Rogers stated that he was receiving so many calls about the police department and he felt that the person that was best suited to answer questions about the police department would be Chief Fortenberry.

There were questions about the harassment of the youth in the city, curfew ordinances, road-blocks, and lack of respect from the officers patrolling this city.

Chief Fortenberry addressed the questions that were presented, and many felt that he was willing to do what was necessary to help ease the tension that many feel regarding the Lumberton Police Department.

Chief Fortenberry stated that he will bring videos to the next meeting and encouraged the parents to bring their children to the next event so that they could see how police and citizens should interact with one another.

Tomorrow is election day. As you all know, I whole-heartedly support Miriam Holder for Mayor of Lumberton. She understand the issues we face and the needs our city has to bring about positive change for all of the residents of Lumberton. Life takes you down many roads until you find the road God has prepared for you. Miriam Holder is embarking on the road for mayor out of a great need for leadership that will work with the people and for the people.

My choice for Alderman at Large is Bobby Gibson. I had some reservations about supporting Bobby Gibson, but after speaking with him and getting his views on what needs to be done to bring about change to this city, I feel that he is the best candidate for the position. I believe that Bobby Gibson will be a hardworking, honest and accessible representative.

I think Ward 2 need to elect Rebecca Hale as their new representative. Stanley Rayborn has served for a very long time, and I think he is set in his way of thinking. I know Stanley and…

The Lumberton Informer is a blog that offers an in depth look at the political climate in the City of Lumberton, MS as well as provide social commentary on issues affecting communities across the nation. My mission is to provide a lively and interactive forum where all members of the community can come together for the greater good of our city, state and country. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author in his private capacity and in no way reflects or represent the views of any elected officials or public servants. We live in a litigious society and as a result, there is this murky intersection between policy and practice, micro and macro, and urban and rural that I hope my blogging can spur discussion on. Because at the end of the day, a frank and open discussion is what’s most needed. I hope to be a part of this with all of you.